Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jelani, also known as ‘Ghaus-e Azam,’ is a revered figure in Sufi Islam. The Qadri Sufism lineage is named after him. Abdul Qadir Jilani date of birth is 1078. He spent his early life in Gilan, Iran. In 1095, at eighteen, he traveled to Baghdad for studies. He took permission from his mother to travel to Baghdad.
The Journey of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani
After saying goodbye to his mother, Ghaus ul Azam Shah e Jilan joined a caravan traveling to Baghdad. At that time, people mostly travelled in groups to ensure safety.
Attack Of Robbers
Sixty bandits attacked them during this journey in the vast forest. Ahmad Badawi, a notorious figure, was leaded this band of robbers. After stealing from the travelers, the bandits collected all the stolen goods and started sharing them among themselves. While everything was going on, Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani stayed very calm among the travelers.
Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani’s Test of Morality
A robber approached him and inquired if he possessed any valuable items. Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani said, “Yes, I have forty dinars.” Upon hearing this, the robber laughed at him, convinced he was lying, and walked away. After some time, another robber asked Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani the same question and he received the same answer. He too dismissed Hazrat Abdul Qadir’s reply as a joke. Their leader, Ahmed Badawi, instructed them to fetch Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani to him. When Ahmed asked for the forty dinars, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani showed him where he had kept the money. When they ripped open Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani’s coat, they discovered the forty dinars stitched underneath the armpits.
Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani’s Commitment to Truth
When they saw that, Ahmed Badawi and his gang were surprised. Ahmed Badawi asked: “Hey, young guy, we didn’t know you had money. Since you know we’re robbers, why did you still tell us where the money was hidden?” Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani said: ” When I embarked on this journey,, I promised my honest and old mother that I’d never tell lies. So, I couldn’t break that promise just for these sixty bandits.”
Repentance of robbers
Upon hearing this, Ahmed Badawi was overwhelmed with shame and, with tears in his eyes, he uttered: “Oh young lad! Your loyalty to your mother’s promise put me to shame. For years, I’ve been unfaithful to my promises to the Allah Almighty.” After saying that, the bandit cried a lot and then fell at Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani’s feet, saying sorry for what he did wrong.
When his friends saw this, they also felt the same way and sincerely apologized for all their wrongdoings. They then gave back everything they took from the travelers and walked with them out of the jungle. Regarding this incident, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jelani stated, “This was the first repentance made by a group of misled individuals under my guidance.”
Moral
Values influence actions.
The truth will set you free.
Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
Never tell a lie.
